Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.

Reported for the first time recently, case reports of “Aspartame-induced fibromyalgia, an unusual but curable cause of chronic pain.”

“A 50-year-old woman had been suffering from widespread pain and fatigue for more than 10 years leading to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. During a vacation in a foreign country, she did not suffer from painful symptoms [and made a connection with the fact that] she had forgotten to take her aspartame. All of the symptoms reappeared in the days following her return when she reintroduced aspartame into her daily diet. [But when it] was definitively excluded from her diet, [it resulted] in a complete regression of [her] fibromyalgia symptoms.” After ten years of suffering.

“A 43-year-old man consulted for a 3-year history of bilateral forearm, wrist, and hand and [neck] pain [with] various unsuccessful treatments. A detailed questioning [followed] to find out that he had been taking aspartame for three years. The removal of aspartame was followed by a complete regression of pain, without recurrence.”

“The benefit/risk ratio of considering the diagnosis of aspartame-induced chronic pain is obvious: the potential benefit is to cure a disabling chronic [illness], to spare numerous laboratory and imaging investigations, and to avoid potentially harmful therapies; the potential risk is [what,] to temporarily change the patient’s diet. Thus, practitioners should ask patients suffering from fibromyalgia about their intake of aspartame. In some cases, this simple question might lead to the resolution of a disabling chronic disease.”

And, fibromyalgia is no small pain in the neck, affecting an estimated five million Americans—who should all be asked that simple question.

Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.

Reported for the first time recently, case reports of “Aspartame-induced fibromyalgia, an unusual but curable cause of chronic pain.”

“A 50-year-old woman had been suffering from widespread pain and fatigue for more than 10 years leading to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. During a vacation in a foreign country, she did not suffer from painful symptoms [and made a connection with the fact that] she had forgotten to take her aspartame. All of the symptoms reappeared in the days following her return when she reintroduced aspartame into her daily diet. [But when it] was definitively excluded from her diet, [it resulted] in a complete regression of [her] fibromyalgia symptoms.” After ten years of suffering.

“A 43-year-old man consulted for a 3-year history of bilateral forearm, wrist, and hand and [neck] pain [with] various unsuccessful treatments. A detailed questioning [followed] to find out that he had been taking aspartame for three years. The removal of aspartame was followed by a complete regression of pain, without recurrence.”

“The benefit/risk ratio of considering the diagnosis of aspartame-induced chronic pain is obvious: the potential benefit is to cure a disabling chronic [illness], to spare numerous laboratory and imaging investigations, and to avoid potentially harmful therapies; the potential risk is [what,] to temporarily change the patient’s diet. Thus, practitioners should ask patients suffering from fibromyalgia about their intake of aspartame. In some cases, this simple question might lead to the resolution of a disabling chronic disease.”

And, fibromyalgia is no small pain in the neck, affecting an estimated five million Americans—who should all be asked that simple question.

46 responses to “Aspartame-Induced Fibromyalgia”

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I started having sever knee pain 3 years ago. Doc said I was ‘old and Artritus was to be expected. Take up to six 200mg Advil as needed for pain’. Seemingly unrelated 6 months later I was tired of all the diet soda I was drinking and finally quit. Then I started to notice that I forgot to take the Advil as it was no longer needed. I had to assume that I had gotten younger ! Now I know I’m still old . But at least my knee does’nt hurt.

Arthritis is not to be expected; it seems that doc needs some re-education. The more I have been reading about PBD nutrition and wellness in general, the more I learn that many of the conditions that are associated with “old age” really are not related to aging at all, but to lifestyle factors. How wonderful that you were able to treat yourself in a non-invasive way!

I’ve suffered from migraines for 20+ yrs….always on Rx of one kind or another. After much research after a medical scare (took too much Rx out of desparation of a migraine that wasn’t going away)….I cut out ALL artificial sweeteners (Aspartame being the one I consumed the most of from Crystal Light). In the blink of an eye, I was MIGRAINE FREE! When I TOLD my neurologist about what I did, she said “Oh, Yeah! It’s a NEUROTOXIN”. I was floored! If this was such common knowledge, how is it remotely possible my own doctor never thought to ask about my diet? All those years on Rx, the cost factor, the sick days, the pain! Very upset, to say the least

Sunday morning is a good to to view and review what I might have missed in the past. I’m glad you pointed this out. This would be a major scandal, well, actually should be, but for Rumsfeld’s best allies, the conspiracy theory nuts. The article you cite is well documented and the performance is well within the norms of big pharma and chemical companies. i.e. they keep making something new to replace the discredited. They do this not to be evil but to fulfill their only imperative, to make money.
The conspiracy theorists can readily be dismissed as a lunatic fringe as indeed they generally are. So this gives the likes of Monsanto a built in buffer when actual malfeasance takes place. But even a stopped clock……

I have fbm and have never used artificial sweetners, Ive read so many bad things about them. i just think the closer we get to eating what God made for our bodies the more our bodies will respond well to the,

I appreciate this video. The effects of Aspartame on the body is horrific. That said, I too have Fibromyalgia. I have had symptoms now for roughly 15 years, if not longer. I am also vegan and have chosen this lifestyle for the last 3 years. I have never drank anything with Aspartame in it because I never enjoyed the taste. I rarely drink alcohol, coffee, or soda beverages; I have never been a smoker; I do yoga when I can; and still I have pain daily. I would greatly appreciate some advice here. I have researched the topic and come up short. My blood tests say that I’m as healthy as an athlete… I certainly don’t feel like one. My Doctor is stumped as to where we need to go from here. I can’t just accept that this is what I have to live with for the rest of my life. More information and updated studies would be very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Shirley Rose

Dear Shirley, from what I understand, Fibro is caused by a yeast infection called Candida – it’s autoimmune. Google it…and say bye bye to carbs and sugars – greens and beans for a little while and see what happens. Best wishes!

In reference to your comment about removing carbs, I had a severe yeast overgrowth everything years ago. I remove all breads that have yeast in them along with dairy products and anything containing vinegar or sugar. I was able to find bread that was made without yeast. It was very tasty. I wish I could remember them brand name. After six weeks I had lost 22 pounds and was able to get my gut Flora back into balance. We need carbs but only the right carbs. Don’t forget that you have to remove fruit from your diet as well. Good luck.

Shirley Rose, I’ve been doing some research and found this products advertisement very informative. You can find CandidaCleanser.com online. I don’t have any association with this product an can’t afford the cost to try it myself. I’m not suggesting you buy it, but think you should read it. Would love to know, what you think and if you try it. Thanks, Kelli Brian

I would like to know the mechanism behind this effect. Because AFAIK aspartame is just aspartic acid + phenylalanine, two amino acids which – a part the rare cases of phenylketonuria – are harmless. True, the metabolic route of aspartame produces some methanol, but less than what comes from many foods. So, what are the biochemical origins of the hazardous of aspartame?

Yes, phenylalanine and aspartic acid are amino acids, but in aspartame they are separated from their protein chain, and therefore become isolates. They are never this way in foods we eat. Furthermore, they are in much higher concentrations in aspartame. Aspartame is 50% phenylalanine and 40% aspartic acid. In food, phenylalanine is only about 4-6% of the amino acid chain. Likewise, methanol while in natural foods as well is always bonded in a compound with a natural anitdote, which wards off any potential harmful effects. Otherwise methanol, wood alcohol, is well-known poison. There is no antidote in aspartame. The methanol then also converts into formaldehyde, well-known carcinogen above 86 degrees F, and remember the body is about 98.6.
(employed by Wisdom Natural Brands, the makers of SweetLeaf Stevia)

This information makes me wish I used aspartame so I could remove it from my diet and be cured of my fibromyalgia. Alas, it’s not so simple. I haven’t ingested aspartame in years. I need a different magic bullet, I guess.

The magic bullet is not just one thing, but eliminating all animal products, refined, and prepackaged products. Add as much color from vegis as possible. Have a bowl of fruit and berries, melons etc first thing in the morning and through the day, and a big bowl of greens in the eve. Eliminate all overt oil. Check out the ratio of nutrients in greens and other vegis on the internet. Most of us have been surprised to see that we can get all we need from a high quality, well thought out vegan diet. My fibromyalgia is all but gone. You can do it!

I have been suffering for Fibromyalgia for 15 years now, I never use aspartame or artificial sweeteners in my diet, so it is not the cause. I think it is important to clarify that it isn’t the cause, or the cure. There isn’t a real study here, just speculation, so it would be nice to see something more than subjective pseudoscience. I do agree that aspartame is poison, and will never use it and that no one else should consume the stuff either, but when dealing with diagnosed illnesses such as this, which are under constant speculation as to whether it is a valid condition (which it is, trust me >.<), one must tread lightly. It would be more ethical to say that there is some speculative evidence that aspartame is linked to causing wide spread nerve and muscle pain, instead of listing a specific condition with no proper studies.

imitrex and pristix helps with the headaches…doc’s scripts. I have super drink solition that pretty well covers the spectrum of vitamins and trace minerals. Inflammation reduction is key for pain relief. Would rather give this info out by means of person to person email. Don’t want anyone thinking i”ve found a cure… yet…I don’t want to affend anyone. Just hope I can help. I do understand suffering. Hospitalization eventually trned into ARDS, 30 days respirator. Not expected to live. Suprise, suprise.

ruby, I am in your shoes as well. Thyroid (tsh) 79, Diabetes 2, chronic pain, migraines, bed 20+ hrs daily. Throid peroxidase showed @ 51.2. 500% higher than should be on lab test after evrything else was fixed with synthetic drugs. Switched from levoxyl .275 to armour thyroid with t4/t3 and I am ramping up the dosage as fast as possible. If you are in similiar position Nopal prickly pear cactus fruit can bring down pain levels 25% after 30 days @ 6oz. daily. Can not miss a day or pain will return. kurt. bigdogakita@gmail.com

thyroid, fibro, diabeties, chronic pain, migraines, depreesion, sleep apnea, insomia, level 8.5 pain. Fentyal patch 50mcg will reduce pain levels to 3-4. Neurotoxin domoic acid poisons people and causes permanent short term memory loss. I have short and long term memory loss and inability to remember 90% of what I KNEW and DAILY what I LEARN. Driving was nearly impossible. Hopes some of this helps someone. kurt. bigdogakita@gmail.com

bigdogakita, I am so sorry for your misery. I had some of those problems after I was poisoned with volatile organic compounds in the 90’s and aspartame in the 80’s. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Have your read Medical doctor, Neal Barnard’s book, Foods That Fight Pain. It has helped me and it may help you as well. He gives some of the ailments that you have. If you eat a good plant based diet, perhaps you can back off some of the drugs.

I still have big memory problems but instead of trying to remember the past, I live for the moment. I had days when I meant to drive one direction to Baton Rouge and ended up in Lake Charles, the opposite direction, plus could not remember how I got there. That was solved by my not leaving my neighborhood again. Being in a fog inside my home was solved by eliminating the wall to wall carpeting and putting in porcelain tile floors. That was a major improvement.

Stay in the present. Write notes to yourself and keep track of what affects you. That’s what I did and it helped me, because then I could communicate with a caring doctor, when I found one.

I had such severe muscle pain that I was unable to lift my arms over my head. I was fortunate enough to find an MD calling himself an Environmental Allergist. He took my history of drinking Diet Pepsi in large quantities for several months & suggested that I stop this for three weeks to see what would happen before doing expensive & invasive testing. The symptoms resolved within several days.

This results of this study suggest that vegans would have a substantially higher intake of formaldehyde than people who eat both animals and plants. Vegans would be getting their formaldehyde from fruits, berries, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, teas, and mushrooms. “Soft drinks” contained only 8.7 mg/kg of formaldehyde in this study. I wonder if they had measured the formaldehyde content of a sugar-sweetened soft drink or an artificially sweetened soft drink? Or maybe both types of soft drinks contained approximately the same amount of formaldehyde?

One benefit of aspartame that even the people who sell aspartame have never mentioned is that aspartame will block the cancer-causing effect of the mycotoxin, ochratoxin A, which is almost always present in very small quantities in coffee and cocoa. Ochratoxin A has also been detected in nuts, seeds, whole grains, grapes, pork, and water-damaged homes:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9137807http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ochratoxin_A

I stopped smoking last October and started chewing my way through dozens of nicorette lozenges which the main ingredient is aspartame. I have just do e some research and saw this so as from today I will stop using this. I’m desperately hoping this will help. I’ll keep you posted…

I’ve had fibre for over 20 years. I started to notice that every time I would go to a movie I would be sick in bed the next day in severe pain. While yes i’ve seen some bad movies I really didn’t think this was the cause. I realized after it happened a few times that the only time I drank pop or soda was at the movie theatre with popcorn and I always had diet pop. Stopped doing that and “VOILA!”co-relation and definite cause of some of my fibre flares. I am positive that if you have Fibro you have to stay away from Aspartame or you will live to regret it.

I am very critical about this! Meta-Analysis of over 200 studies done bei the efsa have shown, that there is no link to such kind of complications with aspartame. For me that sounds logic since aspartame is 2 amino acids and a methyl link that will become methanol on a dose lower then in fruit consumption. Also the concentrations of aspartame consumed are in such low, that the dont shift amino acid balance at all. For me, there is no logic explanation why it should be harmful than tricking the system on sugar/sweet taste.

I am a little dissapointed since I highly respect the work of Dr. Greger on his page! However this are case reports from a few people. Thats a small hint so you can try out to avoid aspartame when beeing diagnosed with fibromyalgia. But this is no evidence at all. A placebo could very likely induce the same effects since fibromyalgia is a very undefined disease that is often diagnosed for “not feeling well in your body” and one of the diseases that is linked the most with psychosomatic symtoms.

what I didn’t realize til recently is that Wrigleys full sugar gum also has aspartame! Why? I don’t know. But I know sugar is bad too but was chewing sugar gum to avoid aspartame and inadvertently consuming aspartame anyway. Gums like Trident which contain zylitol also contain aspartame. We need to read labels. So far I have yet to find a gum I like that does not contain sugar, zylitol or aspartame. The Stevia gum I tried gets hard and flavorless in no time.

I have had CFIDS and FM since 1986. I see that aspartame worsens those conditions. My question is this: could aspartame have triggered CFIDS/FM? After having my second child, I had picked up some weight and began drinking Tab. In 1984, I switched to Diet Coke. I had bad reactions to Diet Coke (presumably from the aspartame). It affected my heart and I was diagnosed with a mitral valve prolapse. Eventually, I stopped drinking Diet Coke and the symptoms stopped. When I restarted it, symptoms returned, so I discontinued Diet Coke and went back to sugar sodas. Since I haven’t ingested aspartame since 1984, but have continued to suffer from CFIDS/FM since 1986 (31 years, which rules out a continual excacerbation), could aspartame triggered something? And, if so, can it be “untriggered”?

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